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  invite you to learn more about our island home of Key West, USA. Our roots lie in discovery, longevity, prosperity and adventure, which is why our CONCH HEAD motto is, “LIVE FREE! LIVE LONG! LIVE STRONG!” And, why not? Those of us who love this island, both visitors and natives alike, possess a unique spirit.
Maine is famous for its lobsters, Bermuda for its onions and Key West, known as "The Conch Republic", is famous for its conch. So often in Key West, you will hear conversations about conch. We speak of conch houses, conch fritters, conch trains, conch shells, conch talk, freshwater conchs, honorary conchs, etc. And, we also use the term to describe the people who inhabit and visit our island nation.
 So, you may be wondering by now who or what is a CONCH HEAD. Well, there are only two types of people who inhabit Key West --- native “Conchs” who were born in the Florida Keys or the islands of the Bahamas and “CONCH HEADS” who are not natives, but call Key West their island home.
History of the CONCH HEADS!
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By all accounts, the first CONCH HEADS landed in the Keys nearly 500 years ago. The day was Sunday, May 15, 1513 and the CONCH HEADS were Spanish adventurer Ponce de Leon and fellow explorer Antonio de Herrera. Their mission was to find the elusive Fountain of Youth. They never found the Fountain but they did discover countless other natural treasures.
Many other CONCH HEADS have called Key West their island home since 1513. And, whether famous --- like novelist Ernest Hemmingway, bird-chronicler John James Audubon, playwright Tennessee Williams or U.S. President Harry S. Truman --- or infamous, we all share a love for this little corner of paradise.
CONCH HEADS are adventurous, energetic and free-spirited. We visit Key West not just for the spectacular sunsets, stunning wildlife and aquatic activities, but for the colorful way of life embodied by our people.
Legend has it that the Fountain of Youth really exists somewhere in the Keys along with millions of dollars worth of sunken treasures. We hope you discover your treasure here.....
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